Hong Min, a one-year-old Jindo breed dog born in April of last year, had been Yoon’s most cherished pet. The owner fondly recalled Hong Min’s intelligence and good looks from an early age, traits that inspired his name – a play on that of the famous South Korean soccer player Son Heung-min. (Image provided by Mr. Yoon, the dog’s owner)
DAEJEON, May 10 (Korea Bizwire) – In a remarkable tale of canine intelligence and perseverance, a dog in South Korea has been reunited with his owner after going missing for over a month, having traversed nearly 20 kilometers to find his way back home unassisted.
On the night of May 3, Yoon Jeong-sang, 67, was startled by a commotion outside his home in Daejeon. Upon investigating, he encountered an astonishing sight – his beloved Jindo dog, Hong Min, wagging his tail in the family’s yard, 41 days after going missing.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Yoon recounted. “I never imagined our Hong Min would find his way back home on his own.”
Hong Min, a one-year-old Jindo breed dog born in April of last year, had been Yoon’s most cherished pet. The owner fondly recalled Hong Min’s intelligence and good looks from an early age, traits that inspired his name – a play on that of the famous South Korean soccer player Son Heung-min.
The separation occurred on March 24, when Yoon brought Hong Min to a Jindo dog show in Moksang-dong, Daedeok-gu, approximately 20 kilometers from their residence in Dong-gu, Daejeon. Amidst the chaotic event, the 11-month-old pup managed to slip his leash and escape.
Hong Min, a one-year-old Jindo breed dog born in April of last year, had been Yoon’s most cherished pet. The owner fondly recalled Hong Min’s intelligence and good looks from an early age, traits that inspired his name – a play on that of the famous South Korean soccer player Son Heung-min. (Image provided by Mr. Yoon, the dog’s owner)
Despite an extensive search of the venue, nearby trails, and neighborhoods, Yoon was unable to locate Hong Min. Inquiries with local authorities and residents yielded no leads, and after days of fruitless searching, the distraught owner resigned himself to the possibility that his beloved pet had fallen into caring hands elsewhere.
Then, against all odds, Hong Min reappeared in the Yoon family’s yard on May 3, his tail wagging enthusiastically as he embraced his overjoyed owner. Though covered in ticks and with wet legs, indicating a grueling journey, the dog appeared unharmed and in good physical condition.
Yoon surmises that Hong Min followed the familiar path along the Daejeon Stream, a frequent walking route, relying on his sense of smell to find his way back home over the course of 41 days. Jindo dogs, which are registered as Natural Monument No. 53 in South Korea are loyal, intelligent, and have a strong homing instinct.
“Even for an intelligent dog, it’s extraordinary that Hong Min could find his way back after more than a month,” Yoon marveled on May 9. “I’m so grateful and amazed by him, and I’ll ensure he lives a happy life filled with love going forward.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
